BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the optimal treatment for radiation-induced brachial plexopathy (RIBP). OBJECTIVE: To present our experience of using nerve resection and autografting as a treatment strategy for this challenging condition. METHODS: From September 2014 to January 2020, 8 patients with RIBP were treated with segmental nerve resection and autografting, with or without other supplementary procedures. All patients underwent sural nerve grafting to the musculocutaneous nerve. All were female with a mean age of 53 (range 38-64) years. Seven were on the left, and 1 was on the right. The mean follow-up duration was 33 (range 17-72) months. RESULTS: By the final review, 7 of 8 patients regained at least antigravity elbow flexion. Four patients reached Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 4, 3 MRC grade 3, and MRC grade 2 recovery in the biceps. The mean Visual Analog Score for pain improved from 2.6 preoperatively to 0.6 postoperatively (P = .042). CONCLUSION: Nerve resection and autografting may restore satisfactory elbow flexion in patients with RIBP.
Introduction This is a retrospective study of 100 consecutive patients with iatrogenic nerve injuries, as seen in a tertiary referral centre over a six-year period. Materials and methods Patients who presented with new-onset nerve palsy involving a motor or mixed motor/sensory nerve following an operation were studied. Results There were 44 male and 56 female patients with a mean age of 53 years (range 5–87 years). The median duration from the index procedures to referral was six months (range 0 days to 12 years). Approximately one third of referrals were made over 12 months since the index procedures. Twenty patients recovered spontaneously and were managed expectantly. Eighty patients underwent secondary interventions. Discussion There remains a significant delay in referring postoperative nerve palsy to a nerve specialist. The majority of these cases will warrant secondary reconstructive surgery and delay in treatment may have a negative effect on the ultimate outcomes.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.